Information for term Liberal Arts
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenFamous for its efforts to preserve and promote its historical culture, Mérida is the capital of Yucatán and the largest city in southeastern Mexico. A safe and vibrant city, Mérida is an ideal location to expand your education abroad.
When class is in session, explore how traditions and modernity converge while advancing your degree and improving your Spanish language skills at Universidad Anahuac Mayab (UAM) and CIEE Yucatan. UAM is one of the top private universities in Mexico, offering a wide variety of courses in all areas of study, including biology, chemistry, communications, literature, engineering, psychology, mathematics, and more. Outside the classroom, your courses will be complemented by co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and intercultural understanding.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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STUDY IN ONE OF YUCATAN’S TOP UNIVERSITIES
with students from all over Mexico, Latin America, the United States, Europe, and other countries of the world.
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IMPROVE YOUR SPANISH LANGUAGE SKILLS
while you experience Mexican culture in the classroom and at home.
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GET TO KNOW THE MAYAN CULTURE
With visits and trips to ancient UNESCO world heritage archaeological sites and other co-curricular and cultural enrichment activities.
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AVERAGE DAILY TEMPERATURE (F)
85 -
DAYS OF SUNSHINE PER YEAR
287 -
COMPLETION DATE OF THE OLDEST CATHEDRAL ON THE AMERICAN CONTINENT
1598
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Yucatán, located in the southeast of Mexico, stands out for its lifestyle, vibrant culture, and excellent infrastructure in medical and educational services. Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, is a colonial city with a strong Mayan cultural presence. It has been named among the top places in the world to visit and the American Continent Capital of Culture in 2000 and 2017. Mérida is the leader of higher education in southeastern Mexico and one of the safest cities in Latin America. The city is recognized for its calm lifestyle, bustling neighborhoods, rich cultural heritage, and low-pollution environment. Mérida is surrounded by many spectacular attractions both natural and cultural, from the beautiful beaches of the relaxed town of Progreso to the world-famous Mayan archaeological sites of Uxmal, Mayapán, and Chichen Itzá.
Mérida is a tropical city with a distinct dry and wet season. The rainy season is from June through October. The average daytime high temperature is 33°C (91°F) with nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F). Geologically, the Yucatan has a karst topography of limestone, leading to many underground caves and cenotes. Two zoos, a Botanical Garden, the Museum of Natural History, and several science institutes make Mérida a regional STEM research center. It sits within the Chicxulub crater, formed by a large asteroid impact 66 million years ago. The asteroid impact is responsible for the fifth great extinction, including dinosaurs, among others.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Yucatán.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Excursions are integral to creating a holistic learning experience. UAM provides cultural excursions, supplementing those provided by CIEE, which are designed to further support students ion adapting interculturally, building understanding, and communicating effectively. The itineraries are designed to promote cultural self-awareness, cultural literacy, and the ability to bridge cultural gaps. Through interactive activities and exercises, students are encouraged to consider issues of culture, identity, values, beliefs, and assumptions. Ultimately, students develop competencies to expose themselves to new and unfamiliar experiences. Specific destinations and content will vary semester to semester depending on local conditions. Examples include the following:
- Chichén Itzá: Chichen Itzá was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Students learn how the ancient Maya used science, math, and technology in their daily life and how STEM impacts more recent Mayan culture, including architecture, agriculture, and water conservation. Students also explore more ancient uses of science and technology in Chichen Itza.
- Progreso/El Corchito: By visiting El Corchito, students see the diverse flora and fauna of the region and enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon to get to the mangroves. After the ride through the reserve, students go to Progreso beach and enjoy a typical Yucatecan lunch.
- Punta Laguna: Punta Laguna is a nature reserve that offers one of the most unique sightseeing attractions in all of Yucatán: spider monkeys. The creatures are a top draw for the reserve, which also showcases jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, and dozens of bird species. During this trip, students learn the basic ecology of native forests, coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds, freshwater rivers, and cenotes.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Cultural centers, theaters, museums, and galleries of the city offer activities and events for all tastes: from classical music to jazz, romantic trove, rock music, exhibitions of traditional and innovative art, folk or contemporary dance, an art house cinema, children's workshops, literary activities, popular outdoor dances, and much more. Yucatán has a wide range of outdoor activities such as cenotes, nature preserves, Maya sacbeob or raised “white roads”, beaches, archeological sites, eco-tourism adventure, etc. An ample offering of cultural activities tied back to CIEE courses will build on in-classroom learning, and some will offer cultural immersion opportunities. Some examples of cultural activities include the following:
- City tour of Carnavalito - visits to the emblematic neighborhoods and the most famous buildings, parks, and monuments of the city.
- Sacred stones video mapping.
- Mérida Cathedral.
- Noche de las Culturas and the “Meet the Conqueror” performance at Main Square.
- Serenata Yucateca - a guitar concert of trova, authentic Yucatecan music.
- Visit to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum of Merida).
- Visit to archaeological sites.
- Diverse cultural activities organized by the municipality like theater, concerts, performances, etc.
PROJECTS
- Volunteer opportunities in schools, social projects, and public works will allow students to practice their Spanish language skills, build an understanding of the local culture, and develop intercultural skills to help them adapt to life in Mérida.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestays: homestay is an integral part of the program, allowing students an insider’s view of Mexican culture and a great opportunity to practice and enhance their Spanish skills. Your host family provides a single room, private or shared bathroom, a desk, laundry once a week, Wi-Fi, and a copy of the house keys.
All homestays are relatively close to coffee shops, malls, commercial centers, ATMs, and restaurants and within 30- to 45 minute commute to CIEE Yucatán Center and to Universidad Anahuac Mayab (UAM). Depending on students' housing profiles and homestay availability, students may be placed in double homestay occupancy with single and/or double rooms and shared bathrooms.
Residence Hall: at Campus Residencias (CR), students have single or double bedrooms all equipped with a TV, bathroom, Wi-Fi, safe box, desk, chair, lamp, freezer, microwave, and kitchen accessories. Double rooms share a kitchenette and bathroom. The complex is exclusively for college students with a mix of local and international students and is located 20-30 minutes' ride from Merida’s beautiful downtown, shopping centers, museums, and the University Anahuac Mayab (UAM). CR offers a shuttle bus service at an additional cost and taxis are also available.
Campus Residencias (CR) offers a wide range of facilities to enhance the student’s study abroad academic experiences, such as a gym, swimming pool, study area, meeting room, cafeteria, BBQ area, green areas, and 24/7 first aid medical assistance. In addition, students have access to the laundry room, or they can opt to pay for linen service. -
MEALS
Homestays: include two meals per day. Although host families and students arrange their own meals schedule, usually it is breakfast and dinner, and students are responsible for the remaining meal, either preparing them at home or eating in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city. Students who are staying for a full year are responsible for their meals during breaks between semesters.
Residence Hall: meals are not included in the residence hall. Students can prepare their own meals in the kitchenette, opt for a meal plan, and they can use the cafeteria at UC at their leisure or explore the myriad restaurants throughout the city.
Yucatan, Mexico Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Yucatán
CIEE Yucatán is a beautifully renovated downtown building. It is in downtown Merida and is just a 10-minute walk from museums, restaurants, and other cultural landmarks. The site includes classrooms, a computer lobby, and a student lounge.
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B
Universidad AnáhuacMayab in Mérida, Yucatán
The University AnahuacMayab (UAM) is part of the Anahuac Network that spans México and Latin America. It is ranked as the 12th best university in Mexico and is in the top 75 in Latin America by the QS 2020 University Rankings. Mérida’s campus is one of the largest campuses within the Anahuac University Network with infrastructure that rivals that of any large public or private research institution in Mexico. It has a student population of over 5,000 over its 200,000 square meters. The campus is located only fifteen minutes’ drive from the CIEE Yucatan Center.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
This program is designed for students with advanced Spanish language skills and strong academic backgrounds.
Prior to departure for Yucatan, all students take a CIEE online Spanish placement test. Results determine appropriate placement in language courses. The CIEE Yucatan Center hosts the required Spanish Language course and elective course options. All other courses are administered by University Anahuac-Mayab (UAM).
UAM offers courses in Business, Legal and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Communication, Architecture, Design, and Engineering, taught in Spanish. Some classes are also offered in English and vary by semester. Studying with peers from all over Mexico, Latin America, Europe and the rest of the world provides a unique exposure to many different perspectives and ideas.
UAM has a diverse study plan and programs, instructional staff, research projects, evaluation and information exchange systems, congresses and training courses, training programs, as well as various resources and instructors for an enriching academic experience. It also has a strong international outlook collaborating with many national and international higher education institutions.
GPA
Overall GPA: 2.5
Language Prerequisites
Language Pre-requisites: 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
Every student is required to take a Spanish language course taught by CIEE and at a level based on placement test results. The remaining courses are selected from a range of CIEE elective course(s) and host institution courses at the local university (UAM), in Spanish and/or English. English-language courses at UAM are few and are all upper-division courses which will likely have pre-requisites.
PROGRAM CREDIT
Credit: 15-18 semester / 22.5-27 quarter credits.
Course Credit
- CIEE content courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours.
- CIEE language courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours.
- UAM courses: 1.5-7.5 U.S. semester / 2.25-11.25 quarter credits; 58 – 346 notional hours.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
Classes at UAM will be scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM through 10:00 PM. Usually 100 and 200-level courses are taught in the morning and early afternoon, and 200 and 300-level courses are taught in early afternoon and evening. Homework and assignments are established by the instructors with possible assignments to be done over the weekend. It is very common that homework is assigned to be done in collaborative groups and interaction with fellow students and professors is expected. The semester is split up into three “units”: first unit or term, second unit or term and final exams. UAM uses Blackboard as its learning management system (LMS) in support of class instruction.
Classes at CIEE are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday. Regular class attendance and participation is expected and required. Students will play an active role in their own education; group projects and interaction with fellow students and professors are expected. Instructors use the Canvas LMS for supporting learning and assessment.
Grading
For UAM courses, the student must conform to the evaluation criteria established by the instructor in each course, including attendance. Assessment is often limited to a midterm exam and a final exam, weighted at 20-30% and 40-60%, respectively.
For CIEE courses, students are assessed via quizzes, attendance, homework assignments, essays and research papers, oral presentations, class participation, and mid-term and final exams. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
Spanish and English
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenCommunication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
HOST INSTITUTION COURSES
Click to OpenCourses are available from the University Anahuac-Mayab (UAM) in the following areas of study:
- Business
- Legal and Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Communication, Architecture and Design
- Engineering
Students can find course lists and descriptions on the following website: https://www.anahuacmayab.mx/es/international/programas/licenciaturas/divisiones.
The Course Descriptions button at the bottom will generate a list of course titles, credits, departments, pre-requisites, term offered, and the typical semester that a local student would qualify for the course. Not all courses listed are available in all semesters. As a visiting student, you will be contacted by the UAM administration about one month prior to the start of the UAM semester to review the options available in your semester and discuss your eligibility. Courses in English are rare and typically require high-level prerequisites be met as they are directed at students in the final year of their UAM degree program. Students should acquire prior written approval from their home school to enroll in any English-language courses or courses that are valued below 3 U.S. semester credits each. CIEE converts UAM course credits as follows:
|
UAM credits |
Total Notional Hours |
Recommended U.S. Equivalent |
|
3 |
58 |
1.5 |
|
4 |
77 |
2 |
|
6 |
115 |
2.5 |
|
7 |
134 |
3 |
|
9 |
173 |
4 |
|
10 |
192 |
4.5 |
|
12 |
230 |
5 |
|
18 |
346 |
7.5 |
Your UAM course enrollments will be communicated about two weeks prior to the start of the UAM semester. Please visit https://merida.anahuac.mx/en/international/programas/licenciaturas/sistema-de-clases for more information.
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 20 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 2, 2023 | Dec 19, 2023 |
$14,950
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $10,803 Housing = $3,650 Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $14,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $600 † International Airfare = $650 †† Local Transportation = $300 ††† Books & Supplies = $50 Visa Fees = $0 †††† Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 ††††† Personal expenses = $250 Other = $50 †††††† Total Estimated Costs = $1,900Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. † Estimated cost based on homestay accommodation. Dorm does not includes meals. †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Round trip based on Mayabus and public bus. †††† NA for students staying less than 180 days in the country. ††††† N/A †††††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
| Spring 2024 20 weeks | Nov 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 | May 20, 2024 |
$15,850
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $10,856 Housing = $4,500 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $15,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,480 † International Airfare = $650 †† Local Transportation = $350 ††† Books & Supplies = $50 Visa Fees = $0 †††† Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 ††††† Personal expenses = $225 Other = $50 †††††† Total Estimated Costs = $2,805Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. † For Residence Hall. Students at Homestays should budget $560 †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Round trip based on Mayabus, UAM's private bus and public bus. †††† average cost ††††† N/A †††††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
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What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Karla Zarco
Center Director
Karla is the Center Director of CIEE in Yucatán, and she brings to CIEE more than 20 years of experience working in the international education field.
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Alan Barroso
PROGRAM & STUDENT LIFE MANAGER
Alan joined CIEE Yucatan in March 2022 as Student Life and Academics Manager. He is an experienced Psychologist focused on student coaching and tutoring.
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Celia Novelo
Program Coordinator
Celia is the Program Coordinator at CIEE Yucatan. She is motivated by her experience abroad in France and loves to exchange intercultural experiences with students.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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